Authentic Knife Making Experience at a Blacksmith in Kyoto

Forging an authentic Japanese knife is a unique opportunity for those seeking a hands-on cultural experience in Kyoto. At Studio NIN, visitors can enjoy the traditional art of knife-making under the guidance of skilled instructor Mao. Over three captivating hours, participants learn to craft their very own 13-15 cm knife using time-honored techniques and tools. This memorable adventure allows guests to create a practical, handcrafted item that will serve as a lasting reminder of their journey into the heart of Japanese artistry.

Key Points

1. Immersive 3-hour knife-making experience at Studio NIN in Kyoto, offering participants the chance to learn traditional techniques under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

2. Participants dress in authentic costumes and use specialized tools to forge, sharpen, and polish a unique, handcrafted 13-15 cm knife to take home.

3. The highlight of the experience is the forging process, where participants strike hot iron with a hammer to shape the blade, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with hands-on learning.

4. The experience is well-organized, with a safe and controlled environment, and all necessary equipment provided, though participants are responsible for any injuries or accidents during the session.

5. The knife-making experience is priced from £117.04 per person and can accommodate groups of up to 6 participants, with children under 15 required to be accompanied by a guardian.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

The authentic knife-making experience at Studio NIN in Kyoto offers participants a unique opportunity to learn traditional techniques over the course of 3 hours.

Groups are limited to 6 people and are conducted in English and Japanese. Priced from £117.04 per person, the experience includes dressing in traditional costumes and using tools to forge, sharpen, and polish.

Participants will create their own practical 13-15 cm knife to take home. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian, and the activity isn’t suitable for those over 95 years old.

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What to Expect

Although the knife-making experience at Studio NIN involves some risks, participants can expect a well-organized and guided program.

They’ll learn traditional techniques from a skilled instructor, Mao, who’s over a decade of experience. Participants will dress in costumes and use tools to forge, sharpen, and polish their knives.

The highlight is the forging process, where hot iron is struck with a hammer. By the end, each person will create a practical 13-15 cm knife to take home, perfect for gifts or everyday use.

The studio provides all necessary equipment and ensures a safe learning environment.

Traditional Knife-Making Techniques

Participants enjoy the traditional techniques of knife-making during the Studio NIN experience. They learn to dress in authentic costumes, then utilize specialized tools for forging, sharpening, and polishing the metal.

The highlight is the forging process, where they strike hot iron with a hammer to shape the blade. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, Mao, participants create a practical 13-15 cm knife that they can take home as a one-of-a-kind creation, suitable for everyday use or as a gift.

The entire process blends centuries-old craftsmanship with a hands-on, rewarding experience.

Instructor and Knife-Making Process

Mao, a knife professional with over a decade of experience, guides participants through the intricate process of knife-making.

Participants don a traditional costume before forging the hot iron with a hammer. The challenging yet rewarding forging step shapes the blade.

Mao provides expert instruction and support throughout. Participants then sharpen and polish the blade, transforming the raw material into a practical, handcrafted knife.

At the end, each person takes home their unique creation, suitable for gifts or everyday use, packaged in a box.

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Take-Home Knife and Packaging

The finished knife is carefully packaged in a box for participants to take home.

After forging and polishing their unique creation, guests receive a custom box to safely transport their handmade blade.

This is an important part of the experience, allowing them to proudly display and use their new knife.

The box serves as a keepsake, a tangible reminder of the time spent learning traditional techniques under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

With their custom knife in hand, participants can continue their journey of discovery, incorporating the piece into their everyday lives or gifting it to loved ones.

Safety and Equipment

While some activities during the knife-making experience involve risks, participants are responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur.

The studio provides necessary equipment, including a traditional costume, tools and materials for knife-making, a towel and water, and a box and bag for the finished knife. Participants should bring their own socks.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the premises. The studio ensures a safe and controlled environment, but participants must exercise caution and follow the instructor’s guidance closely throughout the hands-on forging, sharpening, and polishing processes.

Location and Directions

The meeting point for the knife-making experience is Studio NIN, located at 16 Shugakuin Daido-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8037. The studio can be identified by its large gate and a Shuriken logo flag. Taxis can access the narrow road leading to the studio.

Landmark	Location	Access
Old building with a large gate and a Shuriken logo flag	16 Shugakuin Daido-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8037	Narrow road; taxis can pass through

Customer Feedback

Based on 8 reviews, the overall rating for the knife-making experience at Studio NIN is 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Australian traveler Ross praised the friendly staff and enjoyed the experience across a range of ages.

South Korean Yanghun found the forging process challenging but rewarding, appreciating the instructor’s support.

Participants consistently enjoyed taking home their handcrafted knives in gift boxes, a testament to the memorable and worthwhile nature of this traditional Kyoto experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Tools or Materials?

The experience provides all necessary equipment and materials. Participants are not permitted to bring their own tools or materials, as the instructor ensures consistent safety and quality standards. Personal items should be limited to what’s listed, like socks.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Requirements?

Participants must wear socks and are provided with a costume to dress in during the experience. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. There are no other special requirements, beyond being able to participate safely in the activities.

Can I Request a Specific Type or Size of Knife?

Participants can’t request a specific type or size of knife. The experience provides a standard-sized practical knife, around 13-15 cm, suitable for gifts or everyday use. Customization isn’t an option, as the focus is on the traditional forging process.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Finished Knives?

Participants can create a practical knife around 13-15 cm in length, suitable for gifts or everyday use. There are no restrictions on the specific type or design, but the finished knife must meet safety standards.

How Do I Care for and Maintain the Handcrafted Knife?

To care for the handcrafted knife, hand-wash it with mild soap and water, dry it thoroughly, and store it in a dry place. Avoid submerging it in water. Regularly hone the blade to maintain its sharpness.

The Sum Up

Forge your own knife at Studio NIN in Kyoto and learn about the traditional art of knife-making. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll learn authentic techniques to craft a practical, handcrafted item you can take home. This unique, hands-on experience offers a memorable adventure for all, with instruction in both English and Japanese.

You can check availability for your dates here: